Fire and how to prevent fire, was discussed in my last blog. I had even mentioned that I would be sharing safety measures on Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as LPG. LPG is a very popular fuel and is used to power a lot of things, but it is mainly used for cooking and as a fuel for vehicles. Developed countries have shifted to Compressed Natural gas (CNG) whereas developing nations still use LPG. The statistic information is mind boggling.                              

In India, especially in the domestic sector, LPG is used mainly for cooking. The number of domestic connections have been estimated to be 215 million (one connection for every six people) with a circulation of more than 350 million LPG cylinders.  Apart from the above usage, LPG is also used as fuel in industries and to run automobiles. In industries, special containers called BULLETS are used which are isolated and hence, the risk is minimised.  Piped gas connections are slowly becoming the order of the day but even today in India, LPG is supplied in Cylinders.

Most of us think that LPG is a gas but actually it is a mixture of Propane and Butane in the ratio 60: 40. The expansion ratio is very high which is1: 250. Hence, this can cause an immense problem if there is a leak. It is an inflammable fuel and just a spark is enough to ignite it. The LPG cylinders, which are used for cooking, contain 85% of it in liquid condition.  Hence, safety precautions are an absolute must. LPG is also heavier than Air and thus, settles down rather than up.

Sometimes, we would have experienced a very typical smell when cooking is being done or with cylinders around. The original LPG does not have a smell. In 1944, there was an explosion in the USA which has lead to the addition of a chemical named Ethyl Mercaptan which gives out an odd smell to signify a leak.  Let us discuss how to take care of this threat.

The use of LPG is through a cylinder which contains the gas, a hose which connects the cylinder to the burner and then a regulator to open and close the gas. Let us understand how to store, use it safely and what to do in case of emergency.

Safe storage and installation :

• Place Cylinder in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition. Get it installed only by authorized dealers.
• Check whether the safety cap and security seal are in place. Don’t accept Cylinders without the safety cap and safety seal.
• Don’t change cylinders near sources of ignition. A naked flame or a spark could ignite any gas that is released.
• Attach the regulator and ensure that it is securely connected to the cylinder valve. Apply soapy water to check for leaks.
• Store cylinders that are not in use in a well-ventilated, secure area, preferably out of doors, away from direct sunlight, heat and other sources of ignition. Don’t store cylinders in basements.

Safe Usage :

• Use the correct hose and check its condition regularly. Hoses designed for use will be marked with a phrase such as LPG hose. It is recommended that hoses be replaced every 2 years.
• Use the correct regulator and check its condition regularly. It is also recommended to replace regulators 5 years after the date of manufacture.
• It is safer to use matches than lighters while lighting burners.
• Turn off the regulator and gas appliance when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your gas appliance.
• Check for leaks from time to time using soapy water. Never use a naked flame.

IF YOU SMELL GAS :

• Extinguish all naked flames.
• Eliminate all sources of ignition. Don’t switch ON or OFF any electrical equipment. Just a touch can cause a BLAST.
• Open doors and windows to increase ventilation.
• Turn off the gas supply at the cylinder. If leak is found to be on the cylinder, cover the leaking portion with a wet rag.
• If it is safe to do so, move cylinders to an open space away from people, buildings and source of ignition. Spray water on the cylinder to help dispense LPG vapour.
• Do not answer calls on the mobile phone.

It is always recommended to wear Cotton Fabrics in the kitchen than any other. Use of Cotton Aprons while cooking is a Best Practice. If the flame is flickering, it is an indication that the cylinder is almost empty. When it happens, never shake or roll the cylinder. When the Vendor delivers the cylinder, ensure that it is lifted and not rolled. Shaking or rolling of the cylinder is extremely dangerous. Keep a fire extinguisher or an old blanket handy in the kitchen.

I feel we have covered quite a lot in this blog.
Meanwhile, you can post your questions on my previous blogs to  seshadri3225@gmail.com  or you can post them on the blog page.

 Till then, stay safe.

SESHADRI VARADARAJAN
9840814353.

In the last blog of mine, we have seen the importance of evacuation and its process when there is a fire.

In this blog, let us discuss how to prevent Fire in the places where we live and work.
Fire has been an integral part of human life since time immemorial. It is even being worshiped in many places and has its own special place in many a Mythology. In today’s modern world, it is utilized for many things ranging from the food we cook, to power rockets into outer space. We just cannot imagine life without a fire.
‘FIRE IS A WONDERFUL SERVANT BUT A BAD MASTER, when used properly it lights up life, but creates havoc and destruction when out of control.’ Hence the trick is to prevent fire and if one knows it can prevent fire accidents.

To do this understanding of Fire chemistry is a must. Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion that takes place between Fuel and Heat supported by Oxygen. A Fuel is defined as any material which can burn. A fuel can be Solid, Liquid, or Gas which are nothing but the three states of matter. For a fire to be ignited we require oxygen of 16%, which is abundantly available. A very interesting fact here is Oxygen does not burn by itself unlike some gases but without it, fire cannot happen. But the major part is played by heat without which nothing can burn. There are many sources of heat around us like Sparks and Arcs, Chemical Reactions, Gas Compression, Open Flames, hot surfaces, Static Electricity and last but not the least The Sun itself. When the heat is increased and there is fuel nearby, a fire is bound to happen. A fourth element called Chain Reaction is also there but it is too technical to explain in a short blog.
So, now the question is:
How do we do fire prevention ?
Fire prevention can be done by

1. Not overloading Electrical Sockets.
2. Not keeping flammable material near sources of heat.
3. Using good quality Electrical wires and Switches.
4. Periodical Maintenance of electrical appliances.
5. Not overloading equipments beyond rated capacities.
6. Not charging mobiles and laptops in beds and pillows.
7. Not smoking in Beds.
8. Not leaving electrical irons and heaters unattended.
9. Not leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking.
10. Not giving matches or Lighters to Children.

One of the major threats of Fire in India is the use of LPG cylinders for cooking, about which I will be covering in my next blog. Meanwhile let us think on the points of fire prevention and the ways to implement them. One of the good practices adopted by industries and factories is a concept called 5S which is a Japanese form of Housekeeping to prevent fires. However the best line on Fire Prevention is A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN PLACE.

We shall discuss a lot more in my upcoming blogs. Till then, think safe and be safe.

V.SESHADRI.
Sr. Corporate Trainer.
Usha Fire  Safety Equipments Pvt Ltd.
Chennai.
Mobile number 9840814353